GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) – Administrators at two Gadsden area schools say they’re helping students cope with the loss of three children who died in a small plane crash in Colorado.

Eight-year-old Xander Barksdale and 11-year-old Kobe Barksdale attended Mitchell Elementary school, and 14-year-old Seth McDuffie was a student at Westbrook Christian School. The three were among five who died when a single-engine plane from Gadsden crashed into a reservoir in Ouray (yoo-RAY’) County Colorado.

Mitchell Principal Roger Wilkinson tells the Gadsden Times that counselors from nearby elementary and middle schools and two pastors were on campus Monday helping students returning from spring break navigate the grieving process.

Westbrook administrator Cindy Greer says aside from talking to counselors and teachers, students are also using a prayer board to share feelings about their classmate.

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Information from: The Gadsden Times

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